Barcelona boss Xavi has said that he is determined to keep Sergi Roberto at the club but any new contract for the Spaniard "depends on the economic circumstances".
The 30-year-old has made over 300 appearances for Barcelona since debuting in 2010, while he has scored twice and registered one assist in 12 outings this term despite being on the sidelines through injury since October.
Roberto's current deal at Camp Nou is due to expire at the end of June, and a recent report claimed that Arsenal and Manchester City are both keen to sign him on a free transfer.
However, Xavi is desperate for the Spaniard to "continue at the club", insisting that he "will be an important player" for the Catalan giants moving forward.
"He should continue at the club. It's a matter between them to come to an agreement. It depends on the economic circumstances - but sportingly I have no doubt that he Sergi Roberto will be an important player for Barca," Xavi told reporters.
Roberto has largely been used as a right-back by Barcelona in recent seasons but has spent the majority of his professional career operating as a central midfielder.
Matt Law
